Defence Minister Peter MacKay and his wife Nazanin Afshin-Jam MacKay are expecting their first child together, due next spring.

The 46-year-old federal cabinet minister, made the announcement on his Facebook page on Friday morning.

“Last night, Nazanin and I announced to a group of friends our happy news that the MacKay family is growing,” he wrote in the posting.

“I am excited by the prospects of raising a child with my loving wife, along with the support of family and friends in the greatest country on earth.”

“We are simply overjoyed and wish to share our happiness with all of you.”

The two married in Mexico in a private ceremony on Jan. 4.